Korean Air commits to record purchase of 103 Boeing jets

Seoul: Korean Air has announced its largest-ever aircraft order with a commitment to purchase 103 Boeing jets, marking a significant step in its fleet modernization strategy and integration with Asiana Airlines.

The agreement, signed at the Korea-U.S. Business Roundtable, includes 20 777-9s, 25 787-10s, 50 737-10s, and 8 777-8 freighters. Once finalized, it will be the biggest widebody aircraft order from an Asian carrier and support an estimated 135,000 jobs across the United States, according to Boeing.

This deal follows the airline’s March 2025 order for 40 widebody aircraft, bringing Korean Air’s total commitments with Boeing this year to over 150 jets. The airline currently operates 108 Boeing aircraft, and the latest agreement will expand its order book to 175 once completed.

Korean Air chairman and CEO Walter Cho said the investment would deliver efficiency gains and improve passenger experience across its global network. 

“Acquiring these next-generation aircraft is the core of our fleet modernization strategy,” he said. “It is also a critical enabler for our future as a merged airline with Asiana, to ensure we remain competitive globally.”

The aircraft ordered include some of Boeing’s most fuel-efficient models. The 777-9 can seat 426 passengers and cut fuel use and emissions by 20% compared with older aircraft, while the 787-10 can carry up to 336 passengers over 11,730 km. The 737-10, the largest in the 737 MAX family, will allow Korean Air to serve more routes at lower cost per seat, and the 777-8 Freighter is expected to deliver the highest payload with 30% better fuel efficiency than the models it replaces.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope said the order underscores Korean Air’s role as a key partner and reflects the value of Boeing’s latest aircraft family.